New tourism study predicts rosy future

A new study on tourism development suggests that by 2030 tourism arrivals could go up by 82 per cent, revenues increase by 185 per cent and 64 per cent more staff employed in the industry if the study’s strategy is implemented.

The new plan, which was presented to a ministerial committee on Wednesday, is part of developing a new tourism strategy.

“For the first time, an integrated, comprehensive national strategy presents not only quantitative and qualitative objectives but a specific plan with proposed actions and schedules for how these goals will be achieved, and by which public and private entities, with a time frame from 2017 to 2030,” an official announcement said.

The statement said experts have found that by 2030 Cyprus can become a year-round sustainable tourist destination that attracts an additional 4.8 million foreign tourists, 40 per cent of whom will visit the island in the period from November to April.

“The proposed new model of tourism development aims to attract tourists with higher per capita expenditure and create significant added value for Cyprus, for the local community, business, environment and economy,” said the announcement.

To achieve the targets integrated planning is needed, as is “upgrading of existing tourist clusters with better service, improving the visual aesthetics, creating new products and a rich experience for tourists with emphasis on local heritage, culture and natural environment, while contributing to and improving the quality of life of Cypriot citizens.”

The plan goes hand in hand with the planned establishment of a deputy minister of tourism which will be decided by the cabinet in March, after the recommendations of the action plan have been assessed.

21 Comments

Politis 123

January 26, 2017 at 13:10

We must first clean up our act! We must help Nicosia evolve into another destination and not an area of abandonment! We need better service from our restaurateurs, from our hoteliers, etc. We need to maintain and cherish tradition and not apply the omnipresent plastics everywhere! Viva the classic wooden chairs and wooden square tables! Quality of food served must be improved (yes make and serve your own tahini instead of the horrible readymade bucket tahini). Marinas (not housing complexes with marinas) need to be created along with mooring areas for more yachting tourism. Need to preserve natural beaches instead of flattening everything and laying ugly sunbeds all over. There is so much to be done! But yes, it can happen. Its not that hard as long as money and ideas are not lost to some more scandals!

almostbroke

January 25, 2017 at 23:37

The CTO don’t have to do anything the tourists are coming to Cyprus ibecause Turkey , Egypt , Nt Africa are off the tourist trail as present , the Cypriots rubbing their hands with glee , they will be able to implement the tried and trusted mantra ‘maximum profit for minimum input , at least they won’t have to implement ploy no2 if the numbers fall , put up the price ! Then again .

CM reader

January 26, 2017 at 17:36

The sad thing is the elite will benefit massively! You forgot to mention that so I thought I d’ add it!

almostbroke

January 26, 2017 at 18:13

The ‘elite ‘ have bigger ‘fish to fry ‘ !

BigApple

January 25, 2017 at 22:51

The flight costs alone would deter tourists from visiting. Rising hotel costs are another story.

CM reader

January 26, 2017 at 17:45

just like New York!

BigApple

January 26, 2017 at 22:07

no I have flown to New York cheaper from Germany than to Cyprus.

Lizzy1

January 25, 2017 at 22:27

If some of the things that are predicted about climate change in the Eastern Med come true then by 2030 for some of the summer months, Cyrpus will be just too hot.

CM reader

January 26, 2017 at 17:40

we will all be sunbathing by the fountains at Trafalgar Square and St, James Park. Thinking
hooray them Cypriots are suffering !

Banjo

January 25, 2017 at 20:39

The south eastern corner of Cyprus has been pretty well maxed out this year , never mind adding an extra 80 odd %.

Something needs to be done about how Russian tour operators work , its become a big problem.

CM reader

January 26, 2017 at 17:40

yes Turkoe, they should all be coming to the stolen part of Cyprus!!

TheBlueHornett

January 25, 2017 at 20:35

Possible if the Cyprus problem is solved.

GSP

January 26, 2017 at 08:54

That is the only thing that would do it – in my opinion.

CM reader

January 26, 2017 at 17:41

which is always irrelevant and bonkers!!!!!

GSP

January 26, 2017 at 20:05

? That is YOUR opinion ?

matt

January 25, 2017 at 18:15

Very optimistic if you ask me considering the timescales things normally work at in Cyprus. For winter tourism things like museums, genuinely weather proof attractions (i.e. inside, could be casinos etc), shopping malls and non-beach sports activities like mountain biking, golf etc need to be developed immediately, not in 10 years.

Slomi

January 25, 2017 at 18:13

Indeed till the time,Tunisia and Egypt are not back in tourism.However Macedonia is also going well.

Barry White

January 25, 2017 at 18:09

Will 2030 see most of the CTO staff collecting their Golden pensions and tax free goodbyes safely tucked in their beds?

I think this is highly optimistic and is speculative. But i agree with some of the points especially investment and polishing of the service offered. Good luck !

Cydee

January 25, 2017 at 17:12

Well I just hope the ‘plan’ involves an alternative to All-Inclusive…

GSP

January 25, 2017 at 18:08

I just hope ‘the plan’ involves something being open for business. Right now the island is all fast asleep, in hibernation.
All year tourism? What would people do here in winter? most of this month even the skiing has been inaccessible.

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